"Fetch!" (command to the dog) - what does it mean? How to teach a dog the command "Aport!" and others

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The obligatory training course usually does not include the "Fetch!" command. However, in this action for the dog there is much more benefit than it seems at first glance, not to mention the fact that animals usually perform it with great interest and pleasure.

What does the command "Fetch!" mean?

This command contains an order to bring the object thrown by the owner back and give it to him. There is a completely erroneous opinion that not all breeds of dogs can master this technique. However, this is only evidence of private failures of the owners. You just need to put more effort and know the learning algorithm, and then everything will work out.

Why teach your pet this command?

Most of the skills of dogs are developed exclusively in play forms. The animal should enjoy executing commands, and not experience negative emotions. At the same time, "Aport!" - a command that is quite useful for a dog. We list what exactly its benefits are:

• Skill search and orientation in space. This command immerses the dog in the processgames that involve her sense of smell, hearing, vision, and most importantly, all types of memory.
• Development of a conditioned reflex and building logical chains. The animal will be able to learn to associate its actions with the owner's voice signals.
• Control your emotions and stay calm. The dog, captured by the pursuit and search, must overcome his desires and give up the object he brought.

In addition, this team is indispensable for active pets who need to run daily. Bringing the object, the dog will receive the necessary physical activity, while the owner will only need to pick up and throw the toy. This will help people with busy work schedules who cannot take much time for walking.

The "Aport!" team: how to teach?

How successful your work will be will initially depend on the temperament of the dog. So, sanguine and choleric people are quick and easy to learn. It will be more difficult with melancholic and phlegmatic people. They will take much longer to deal with.

"Aport!" The team is not very complex. But, like many others, she is the easiest to train puppies. In this case, temperament practically will not play any role. The fact is that puppies have two natural needs - to run and scratch their teeth. Therefore, the baby will gladly join the game.

It will be more difficult with an adult dog with a calm character. Most likely, she will refuse to learn the command, since from her point of view there is no point in it. This type of dog is generally difficult to teach commands like“tumble”, “serve”, “dig”, but they easily and willingly carry out orders that, in their opinion, make sense - “to me”, “place”, “nearby”, etc.

In any case, classes are recommended to be held on the street, where there is a lot of space and there are no people and vehicles. The only exception is that unvaccinated puppies cannot be taken out of the house. Therefore, their training will either have to be postponed, or carried out in an apartment.

Which item to choose to execute the command?

"Aport!" - a command that requires a certain inventory to complete. First of all, this is the same item that the owner will throw, and the dog will bring. In this capacity can act:

• Squeaky toys.
• Rubber bones.
• Special sticks purchased from a pet store.
• Frisbee.
• Various balls (can be tennis).
• Plastic bottle filled with sand, grains, water.
• A regular stick picked up from the street.

The main thing is that this item is safe, lightweight and has a streamlined shape. Toys that get dirty quickly, soft and all those that are easy to damage with teeth will not work. For training it is better to use the same subject. This will make it easier for the dog to get used to it.

Learning algorithm: starting position

So, how to teach a dog the "Aport!" command? Let's start by describing the starting position. The dog should sit or lie down next to the owner's left leg. At the same time, the coach should give out only positive emotionalreactions. In no case do not scold the dog and do not shout, even if she does not succeed. On the contrary, try to encourage her, stroke her. Any, even the most insignificant, success must be rewarded with a delicacy.

Try not to overwork the animal, especially puppies. It is better to take a few short breaks so that the dog does not perceive the training as a labor service.

Learning to pick up an object

"Aport!" - command to the dog, which is mastered in several stages. Consider the stage in which you have to teach the animal the command "Take!". Its essence boils down to the dog taking an object from your hands in its teeth. If you make the right effort, then the animal will then wear its leash or your bag.

First, show the dog an object, try to interest it, tease it, provoke it to grab it with your teeth. It is advisable to voice actions with the order “Take it!”. When the toy is in the dog's mouth, don't try to pick it up right away. Let her play a little. But don't let it tear. Then take the item away while praising the animal.

Now don't give it away, but drop it on the ground at your feet. A dog immersed in play will pick up an object. At this point, say: "Fetch!"

At the same time, the dog should not run away from the owner with the object. Stop such attempts. Gradually move the object further away from you. But leave your dog on a leash. Whenever she picks up the toy, say "Fetch!" The command must be pronounced clearly and loudly. After the animal began to lift an object thrown at a distance of 1-2 meters, you can proceed to the next stage of training.

If the pet does not show any interest in the toy, you can outwit it. To do this, take a tennis ball that is hollow inside. Cut a small hole and fill it with a treat your dog likes. The delicious smelling toy will be hard for the animal to resist.

Learning to bring an item

We continue to answer the question: “How to teach a dog the command “Aport!”?” Now the main thing is to remember that the dog must voluntarily give the object without teasing the owner. Do not let the pet off the leash yet, as the command is pronounced only once. If the animal has not fulfilled it to the end, then you will have to force the pet to do it.

The dog must bring and give the toy without further orders. So, throw the object at 2-3 meters, when the dog takes it, pat your knee with your palm. This will tell your pet what to do. If the dog tries to run away or stays put, then gently pull him on the leash without showing aggression.

When your pet is around, grab the toy in its mouth and see how it reacts. Hold for 10-15 seconds. During this time, the dog can unclench its mouth. If this does not happen, we give the command "Give!". After you have the toy, we praise the dog.

This way you can make the pet follow the order "Fetch!" (command to the dog). What does it mean and what to do if the animal refuses to givetoy? Apparently, your dog is just too emotional and playful, so do not show negative emotions. Just try to trade the item for a treat or force it to open its mouth by patting the lower jaw.

Recommendations

Even if the dog has learned the command, do not rush to let it off the leash. Wait until she has developed a reflex. Otherwise, the pet will feel free and may refuse to follow the order.

To check, you can put the leash on the ground. So the dog will feel free, but in case of disobedience, it will be possible to step on the leash, and not run after the wayward animal.